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March 26, 2008

Woman killed in Hickory Township accident

A woman returning home from dinner with her husband Saturday was killed when an alleged drunk driver hit their car.

Patty J. Conner, 69, of 1411 Independence Lane, Hickory Township, was a passenger in the car driven by her husband, Walter Conner, 74, of the same address.

Police said their car was westbound on Route 108 at 8:15 p.m. and turned in front of an eastbound car driven by Aaron T. Zentz, 25, of 2991 Acer Road.

Lawrence County Coroner Russell S. Noga said the Conners were pulling into Gaslight Mobile Home Park, where their home is, when the accident occurred.

He said Mrs. Conner was ejected from the car and was found 25 to 30 feet away.

She was taken to Jameson Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:01 p.m.

Her death was caused by blunt force trauma of the head, neck and chest, Noga said. Mrs. Conner had sustained multiple internal injuries as well as broken bones of the face, ribs and cervical spine, he said.

Walter Conner was flown from the scene to St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, where he is listed in critical condition today. He also has numerous internal injuries, Noga said.

Noga said he and state police found a cell phone at the scene and notified family members to meet them at the hospital.

State Police said Zentz was eastbound on Route 108 when he hit the Conners’ car.

According to police, Zentz’s blood alcohol content was .227, which is almost three times the legal limit. Charges are pending and are expected to be filed today before District Judge David Rishel.

Officers said Zentz sustained minor injuries.

Noga said Connor and her husband were returning home from having dinner with their daughter.

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